Compare The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan And Atlas

volkswagen tiguan vs atlas


Which Volkswagen SUV Is the Right Fit for You and Yours?

Which Volkswagen SUV Is the Right Fit for You and Yours?

When comparing the Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Atlas, it’s important to remember that both are powerful and spacious SUVs. Neither is superior to the other – rather, they both offer different strengths that will appeal to different drivers. The VW Tiguan is the smaller of the two; it can be equipped with two or three rows of seating. The VW Atlas, on the other hand, always has three roomy rows.

The Jim Ellis Volkswagen of Chamblee team has put this page together to help you decide which model is the right option for your family.

Volkswagen Atlas vs. Tiguan Specs

Volkswagen Atlas vs. Tiguan Specs

Every 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan uses the same efficient powertrain. The vehicle features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, providing drivers 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The Tiguan comes standard with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. If you so desire, however, you can equip the vehicle with 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

If you choose all-wheel drive, you’ll have access to the available Drive Modes. These help the SUV perform well in different conditions. The options are:

  • Snow Mode
  • On-Road Mode
  • Off-Road Mode
  • Off-Road Custom Mode

The VW Atlas also has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. In this case, however, it is tuned to produce 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Like the Tiguan, it features standard front-wheel drive and a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. It can also be outfitted with 4MOTION all-wheel drive and Drive Modes.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas can tow up to 5,000 pounds.1 You can use this powerful SUV to bring a small boat, an ATV, or a trailer along for your next trip. The VW Tiguan can tow up to 1,500 pounds.1 This is one of the primary points of difference between Atlas and Tiguan SUVs.

Volkswagen Atlas vs. Tiguan Gas Mileage

Volkswagen Atlas vs. Tiguan Gas Mileage

When comparing the VW Tiguan vs. Atlas, one finds that both vehicles get competitive fuel economy ratings. The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan has four EPA ratings for its gas mileage specs; they vary by trim and drivetrain. The Tiguan MPG scores are:

  • VW Tiguan S with front-wheel drive: EPA-estimated 24/31/27 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2
  • VW Tiguan with front-wheel drive: EPA-estimated 23/30/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2
  • VW Tiguan with all-wheel drive: EPA-estimated 22/29/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2
  • VW Tiguan R-Line with all-wheel drive: EPA-estimated 22/29/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2

These are quite competitive for the Tiguan SUV’s size. Unsurprisingly, since the Atlas is the larger vehicle, this part of our Tiguan vs. Atlas matchup slants toward the smaller SUV. The 2024 Atlas also has four MPG estimates:

  • VW Atlas with front-wheel drive: EPA-estimated 20/27/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2
  • VW Atlas SE with all-wheel drive: EPA-estimated 19/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2
  • VW Atlas SEL with all-wheel drive: EPA-estimated 19/25/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2
  • VW Atlas Peak Edition with all-wheel drive: EPA-estimated 18/24/20 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2
Volkswagen Atlas vs. Tiguan Size

Volkswagen Atlas vs. Tiguan Size

The new VW Tiguan is 186.1 inches long, 66.4 inches tall, and 72.4 inches wide (82.6 inches with the mirrors extended). As we shall see below, these measurements allow for a spacious interior despite the vehicle’s classification as a compact SUV. The VW Atlas is 200.7 inches long, 70.4 inches tall, and 78.3 inches wide (88.5 inches with the mirrors out).

As expected, the midsize Atlas is larger than the Tiguan. It is 14.6 inches longer, 4 inches taller, and 5.9 inches wider. The VW Atlas has more interior space, but the Tiguan is more agile on the road and in parking decks. This part of the 2024 VW Tiguan vs. 2024 VW Atlas matchup is a toss-up – your needs will determine which size makes more sense for you.

Volkswagen Atlas vs. Tiguan Seating & Dimensions

Volkswagen Atlas vs. Tiguan Seating & Dimensions

The front seats of the three-row VW Atlas SUV have up to 41.3 inches of headroom, 61.5 inches of shoulder room, and 41.7 inches of legroom. The second row provides up to 40.4 inches of headroom, 60.5 inches of shoulder room, and 37.6 inches of legroom.

Third-row occupants of the VW Atlas get up to 38.3 inches of headroom, 54.9 inches of shoulder room, 45.1 inches of hip room, and 33.7 inches of legroom. The back row has two seats, just like the front, while the middle row has three. The same is true of three-row Tiguan models.

Three-row 2024 VW Tiguan models offer up to 39.6 inches of headroom, 57 inches of shoulder room, and 40.2 inches of legroom. The middle seats have up to 39.1 inches of headroom, 55.9 inches of shoulder room, and 36.6 inches of legroom. People in the back row get up to 33.8 inches of headroom, 47.8 inches of shoulder room, and 27.9 inches of legroom.

Two-row Tiguan SUVs have the same front-row dimensions but different ones for the second row, which provides up to 38.9 inches of headroom, 55.8 inches of shoulder room, and 38.7 inches of legroom. While the models are similar, five-seat Tiguan variants do have more legroom for the second-row passengers.

Visit Us for Your Next Vehicle

Visit Us for Your Next Vehicle

We hope this discussion of the Volkswagen Atlas vs. Tiguan has helped you pick your next vehicle. Both provide distinct advantages and disadvantages: The Atlas is roomier and has more muscle, while the Tiguan gets better gas mileage and is easier to maneuver on the road. If you want to learn more, please visit us or check out our Volkswagen Taos vs. Tiguan page.


Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Tiguan have a third row?

Some models of the new VW Tiguan come with a third row of seating; others have two. This means that the SUV provides flexibility to drivers to choose whether they want to have seven seats or more cargo space and second-row legroom. Please visit Jim Ellis Volkswagen of Chamblee today to check out the VW Tiguan SUV for yourself.

Does a VW Atlas require premium gas?

The Volkswagen Atlas uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, but it does not require premium gasoline. This is quite a boon for drivers: They get to experience the efficiency and power of a turbocharger without paying extra at the pump. If you have any further questions about the Atlas engine, trims, or dimensions, please reach out to our friendly team today.

Is the Tiguan or Atlas more reliable?

Both the Tiguan and the Atlas are reliable VW SUVs. While the life span of a car will vary in accordance with how it is treated, these vehicles will generally be able to cross the 200,000-mile threshold with proper maintenance and attentive care. Please contact our knowledgeable dealership team today if you would like to discuss these vehicles’ reliability.



1Maximum tow rating when equipped with turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and factory-installed towing hitch. Vehicle load, other accessories, and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle Owner’s Manual for details.

2EPA estimates only. Your results will vary.

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